Cocculus carolinus aka Carolina Coralbead

Taxonomy

Genus Cocculus Family Menispermaceae Order Ranunculales Class Magnoliopsida Phylum Tracheophyta
Cocculus carolinus, also known as Carolina coralbead, snailseed, or Margil's Vine, is a deciduous, woody vine that is a member of the moonseed family. It is native to North America and can be found in Mexico and various states in the United States, primarily in the Southeast and Midwest regions. The vine climbs using thin twining stems and is commonly found in rocky open woods, wood margins, glades, fence rows, roadsides, and along stream and pond margins. Its ornamental features include attractive red berries in the fall and foliage. The plant can grow up to 12 feet, but in the deep South, it may grow larger without experiencing winter dieback. The plant produces tiny, greenish-white flowers in loose, drooping, terminal and axillary clusters in the summer, but they are insignificant. The flowers give way to loose clusters of bright red, flattened, pea-sized drupes that mature in late summer and persist well into fall. The medium-green leaves range in shape from oval to heart-shaped to triangular and are around four inches long. Its native habitat is moist to dry forests and thickets, especially where calcareous, and it is also known to be weedy in landscaping. The species' common name is derived from the appearance of its small, rounded, red fruits and the rough half-moon shape of its seeds.

Common names

Carolina Coralbead, Carolina Moonseed, Carolina Snailseed

How to care for Carolina Coralbead

Difficulty

With its straightforward care requirements, Carolina Coralbead is a hassle-free plant that anyone can enjoy.

Water

Carolina Coralbead should be watered regularly, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings.

Soil

Carolina Coralbead loves a well-draining soil. Perlite and vermiculite help with drainage, while coco coir adds organic matter, so a good potting soil mix will have all three. You can improve store-bought soil by adding some perlite to it.

Lighting

Carolina Coralbead requires abundant, bright and direct light. Placing it less than one foot from a window is the best way to make sure the plant receives enough light to survive and thrive. Depending on your region, however, the current weather can affect the placement of the plant in your home. For example, in some areas the sun may be too direct and intense, so it's best to place it farther away from the window. You may also need to adjust your placement according to the season as the sunlight can change intensity over the course of the year. If you live in a region with significant temperature fluctuations, such as a desert, you may need to place the plant a bit farther away from the window to avoid extreme heat or cold. With some care and attention, your Carolina Coralbead will be sure to bring you many years of beauty and enjoyment.

Toxicity

No verified data on the toxicity of this plant exists within Ploi's records. Should you, someone in your family, or your pet ingest plant material with an unknown toxicity level, it is recommended to seek medical advice.

More info:
Wikipedia

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More Species in Cocculus Genus

Cocculus orbiculatus Queen Coralbead

Cocculus carolinus Carolina Coralbead